Mastantuono named in Real Madrid squad for LaLiga opener against Osasuna

Real Madrid have announced Xabi Alonso’s squad for the 2025/26 LaLiga season opener against Osasuna on Tuesday, with Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono earning a surprise call-up after only four days of training with the first team.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who has been tipped as one of Argentina’s brightest prospects, could make his league debut at the Santiago Bernabéu as Los Blancos begin their title bid.

Midfielder Fede Valverde also returns to the squad after overcoming a minor muscular issue that kept him out of the recent pre-season friendly against Tirol. However, Alonso faces significant absences, with Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick sidelined through injury, while Antonio Rüdiger serves a one-match suspension carried over from last season.

Mastantuono isn’t the only youngster involved, with youth-team midfielder Thiago Pitarch also included. New arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras could make their official Real Madrid debuts, potentially lining up alongside the Argentine prospect.

The squad list otherwise remains similar to the pre-season outing in Innsbruck, aside from Rüdiger’s enforced absence.

Real Madrid’s squad vs. Osasuna:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Sergio Mestre
Defenders: Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Trent, Asensio, A. Carreras, Fran Garcia, Huijsen
Midfielders: Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos, Thiago
Forwards: Vinícius Jr, Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim, Mastantuono